As the weather gets cooler and lights begin to shine, holiday music starts to fill the air. Before you even smell pine trees or holiday food, the music arrives. From early November to the end of the year, familiar songs play in stores, on the radio, and in public places everywhere.
But where did holiday music come from? Why do some people love it while others feel annoyed by it? Holiday music has a long history that has changed over time, moving from church songs to popular music heard around the world.
From Old Hymns to Famous Songs
Holiday music did not always sound the way it does today. The first Christmas songs were written over 1,600 years ago in Rome. These songs were written in Latin and were only sung in churches.
In the 1200s, St. Francis of Assisi helped change this by encouraging songs and plays to be written in everyday languages. This made the music easier for regular people to understand and enjoy. The word “carol” once meant a joyful song or dance and was not only for Christmas. Over time, carols became strongly connected to the holiday.
During the Victorian era, people became very interested in Christmas traditions again. Many old songs were collected, and new ones were written. Popular carols like “The First Noel,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” and “Silent Night” became holiday classics. Caroling, where groups sing from house to house, also became popular again.
The Rise of Modern Holiday Hits
In the 1900s, holiday music became more commercial and popular. This change became especially strong during the 1940s, when people wanted comfort during World War II.
In 1942, Bing Crosby released “White Christmas.” The song became extremely popular because it reminded people of peaceful and happy times. Soldiers and families connected deeply with its message. After that, many new holiday songs were written.
Songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Christmas Song” were created during this time and are still played today.
All Faiths Connect To Christmas Music
For many people, holiday music brings feelings of warmth, happiness, and memories from childhood. However, not everyone celebrates Christmas, and not everyone feels connected to this music.
Mr. Cutler, the head of the English department, shared that growing up in a Jewish household meant there were very few holiday songs connected to his culture. He said he does not mind Christmas music but feels it starts playing too early.
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11th-grader Usher Durancy
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Holiday Music and the Younger Generation
Usher Durancy, an 11th-grade student with a Haitian background, shared that he does not feel strongly connected to holiday music from his culture, but he enjoys popular Christmas songs because he heard them growing up. He believes holiday music helps create a festive mood, even if it does not mean much to him personally.
A Tradition That Still Lives On
Holiday music may not feel as important as it once did, but it is still part of the season. While some people love it and others do not, holiday music continues to return every year.
